Another common reason older adults feel pain or heaviness in the legs after short walks comes from pressure on the nerves leaving the lower spine. With age the discs between the vertebrae lose some height, ligaments thicken and small bone spurs can form, all of which narrow the space available for the nerves that travel down into the buttocks and legs. Walking upright increases the load on the lumbar region, so the nerves become irritated and send pain, tingling or a tired, heavy feeling downward. Many people discover that leaning slightly forward, such as when pushing a shopping trolley, eases the sensation because it opens a little more space around the nerves.
Why Do Your Legs Hurt After Walking a Short Distance? What Older Adults Should Understand
